History & Evolution of Open Source

The Open Source movement continues to gain more and more momentum and this course will ensure students understand its purpose and mission as well as the strides that have been made so far and further goals for the future.  This course provides students with context for the history of the Open Source movement including the founders and pioneers who have played a critical role in its development and evolution.  The course also examines the impact of Open Source software in the business environment and offers practical guidelines for participation in Open Source communities. Further, students will gain an understanding of the common characteristics shared by Open Source communities and guidelines for successful participation in them.

As the number one development platform and the number one language used for enterprise programming and development,  the universal Java programming language and technology are used to to develop robust programs and applications quickly and efficiently.  In fact, the Java platform can be used with many software applications including all Windows versions, Solaris, Unix open source operating systems and the Apple operating software as well as most Web browsers allowing for great interaction and usability.  The Open Source movement looks to make the Java language as universal and pervasive as possible across development efforts and business so that all of these applications can complement each other and evolve together.

The History & Evolution of Open Source course will address the following primary course objectives:

• Describe the context for the history of the Open Source movement
• Summarize the three waves of the Open Source movement and the key individuals and organizations who contributed to each wave
• Explain the business benefits and challenges of Open Source software
• Summarize the accomplishments and mission of several well-known Open Source Communities
• Identify common characteristics shared by Open Source communities and guidelines for successful participation in them